The above photo was taken last year at my sons AIT graduation.  He enlisted with the Army straight out of high school as he always said he would do.  We always knew he would go to Iraq at some point.  I have been blessed to have him stateside so far, but that has now changed.  He got his orders.  So this will be a very special Thanksgiving for our family.  My son married his fiance' on November 2, 2005.  She too is headed to Iraq.  She will leave the 28th and my son deploys 2 days later on the 30th.  He has graduated from Cav Scouts and Military Police which is the unit he is now with.  He also received a new rank and was invited to join a very special task force which he accepted.  I will not call the task force by name for his own safety.

I have mixed feelings about his going but have so much pride as well.  He has developed into a fine young man who is and always has been very responsible.  I am so proud of his bravery and the duties he is about to face.  So to him and his new bride I say, "Much love to you both, take good care of each other and come home safe!  I love you".

As a parent, you face many things with your children.  But so far, I think this has got to be the toughest thing I have ever dealt with.  When he called with his orders, I nearly fell apart.  He's a great kid and he knew just what to say.  He said, "Mom, this is why I joined.  Don't worry, don't watch the news, and save me lots of brownies."  I had to laugh at that point.  Godspeed to them both!